Is The Real Josh Freeman Appearing?
August 1st, 2013
There is but one issue that torments Josh Freeman and it could either make him rich enough to own a Caribbean island or Pearl Harbor his career:
Consistency.
When Freeman is on, he’s a top level quarterback. When he’s off and the “Evil Josh” appears, he is woeful.
Last week, the first week of Bucs training camp 2013, Freeman’s accuracy was lousy, including the Bucs’ night practice at the Stadium on Dale Mabry.
Monday, Joe started to notice a change. Freeman had improved from the previous week. Not perfect, but better. Wednesday, Joe didn’t notice Freeman when taking notes. Why? Because nothing negative caught Joe’s eye. A step better. That’s progress.
Today, Thursday, Freeman didn’t take a step ahead. Freeman, instead, jumped forward.
Granted, Joe has not witnessed each and every practice Freeman has participated in throughout his career. And Joe did not see the first few minutes of practice today (Joe was busy posting articles) when, in individual drills, Freeman’s back-shoulder throws were less than precise. But in the large bulk of practice Joe did watch, he has never seen Freeman throw so accurately.
Receivers down the sideline? Right between the numbers. Passes down the middle? Right on the belt buckle. Passes on routes cutting across the middle? Right on the receiver’s hands. Short passes, usually Freeman’s kryptonite, he was hitting running backs as if there were bulls-eyes painted on the front of their jerseys.
The “good Josh” Joe witnessed today was every bit the franchise quarterback the Bucs have hoped Freeman would blossom into some day. He was calm, cool, ran through his progressions, and was deadly accurate.
Joe is not sure if this is a three-practice trend or a peek into the near future. If Freeman can be this accurate on Sundays this fall, this Bucs offense can be scary good.
After the past three practices, those still believing Mike Glennon should start this season ought to be fitted for straightjackets.
August 1st, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Real Josh?
lol More like improved Josh hopefully 🙂
August 1st, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Who wants to pitch in for a straight jacket with me for robert?
http://www.colonialmedical.com/straitjacket-P-5468.html&ref=shopping.google.com
August 1st, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Granted this is an optimistic look, but if Owswu can produce on the field like he has blown up camps the last few years, and if Freeman looks like this on Sundays, the Buccaneers would have, in my opinion, the most complete offense in the NFL.
That’s scary combined with the steps forward our secondary also has seemed to take.
I also expect about 10 comments here haha! It’s A Bucs Life!
August 1st, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Freeman needs to take this team to Game 17 in 2013.
Can Freeman channel his inner “Thursday Minicamp” on Sundays, consistently?
August 1st, 2013 at 2:10 pm
I actually think robert is starting to come around. I do have a serious question for him though. robert, do you still think Glennon is starting by week five? Not being critical here. I would genuinely like to know if your feelings for Freeman have changed at all.
As far as Freeman is concerned, I love to see the progression. Hopefully this continues. If he can be accurate SOMETIMES then, hopefully, it is just a matter of reproducing the circumstances to make him accurate ALL THE TIME. Maybe there is less thinking about what route each receiver is running and instead focusing on where the hole in the defense is. Maybe a second year of “Sullivanese” will have a greater impact than I thought.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@Buc1987
I think the picture of that guy modeling the straight jacket is hilarious by the way.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Why would his feelings for Freeman change because of 2 good training camp practices? Lol
Anyways I’m glad he’s doing better. Now he needs to roll into pre-season and the regular season and hopefully give this team a chance of getting to the playoffs.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Call me when its the regular season. Pretty sure we’ve seen a 25TD 6INT season already. We know he can be great. He needs to do it consistently.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:16 pm
I’m all for Freeman killing it. never said otherwise.
I’m happy he’s doing well, but it is just practice. I’ll happily eat crow if he lights it up. Do I still see Glennon starting? not if Jfro shows up on Sundays, avoids the keg partys and photo shoots.
has he gotten better at reading defenses though? we don’t know, because this is the D he faces every day
can he progress through his reads? again, we’ll see on game day
this all sounds great, but this is a familiar opponent
this is the same jfro by the way
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0204/jackson/1-2048X1219.jpg
August 1st, 2013 at 2:18 pm
Until otherwise shown throughout the regular season, the real Freeman is a wildly inconsistent QB.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Yes he will and we will have the privilege to bear witness to Josh establishing himself as our franchise QB. That will upset some people. Too bad. #teamfreeman
August 1st, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Yes…and they better re-sign him ….before this great year…
August 1st, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Lol @ the freeman haters …we know who you dumb trolls are ….
August 1st, 2013 at 2:29 pm
2 good practices, even though he stunk last week, and the Freeman apologists use that as proof that the last 4 years of inconsistency are a thing of the past. Good Lord.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:34 pm
@Mean D
Lol shut it dude, if Free even throws a bad pass the trolls have a parade. No one is anointing Freeman for good practices, we are simply glad that he is looking better than last week. If that doesn’t at least make you feel a little better than hearing that he was struggling, then simply put, you’re NOT a fan.
Seriously, when did it become a sin to root for your team?
August 1st, 2013 at 2:34 pm
lol @ mean D……
so true. a good practice or two and their all 1/2 hard!
August 1st, 2013 at 2:36 pm
yeah mean D shut it you big meanie! RFLMAO @ walty
August 1st, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Consistency has always been Josh’s problem. The laser passes are celebrated and the bad misses are loathed. Accuracy and consistency will always be his problem in my opinion, because I don’t think those attributes can be coached or developed. You either have it or you don’t. But, I would take Josh over half the staring QBs in the league, he has enough talent to get the Bucs to the playoffs. He posted good numbers last season and did enough to put points on the board. The pass defense was the problem and ultimately cost the team a few games. Josh should be fine.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:39 pm
“so true. a good practice or two and their all 1/2 hard!”
Just feel it’s better than being that way when he throws a bad pass or, HORRORS, has a bad game. Ya’ll seem to get all too much enjoyment out of the prospect of Freeman failing.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:43 pm
@robert
Awww, you miss my Rob? Trying to get my attention now? Lol
Seriously though, what did I say that wasn’t true?? Wouldn’t you rather hear that Free looked GOOD rather than BAD? Wouldn’t you rather see him completing passes with zip and accuracy rather than bouncing passes off the turf?? Because if the answer is no to those questions are “NO”, then you aren’t a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:44 pm
“If he can be accurate SOMETIMES then, hopefully, it is just a matter of reproducing the circumstances to make him accurate ALL THE TIME.”
That is sound logic WestCoast, I like.
I also think if our D can recreate the pressure he’ll have to face game time that may help him in adjusting in that aspect as well.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Man, proof reading is important
August 1st, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Lol @ Robert …it’s a pathetic life you have when all you look forward to is trying to get a rise out of people…. Your sad and stupid …. # 5
August 1st, 2013 at 2:51 pm
cant wait for the season to start and see Freeman light it up. the haters are going to do a complete 180.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:54 pm
yeah mean D shut it you big meanie!
^^^ more like big fool as always.
August 1st, 2013 at 2:57 pm
robert is Mean D
August 1st, 2013 at 2:58 pm
@ Fritz50 …so well said it needs to be re-posted.
Fritz50 says:
“so true. a good practice or two and their all 1/2 hard!”
Just feel it’s better than being that way when he throws a bad pass or, HORRORS, has a bad game. Ya’ll seem to get all too much enjoyment out of the prospect of Freeman failing.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Sounds like the same Freeman that lead us on back-to-back scoring drives to finish the Camrolina Newtons, tossing darts, lasers, and two of those pesky short/intermediate passes that have gotten away from him much too often-for scores. That’s the Joeh Freeman that needs to show up on Sunday’s and facilitate Sullivan’s scheme
August 1st, 2013 at 3:03 pm
I think we can expect more of this. The first week of struggles I consider that to be more of Josh just being rusty rather than lack of talent, accuracy, etc. Like Joe said there has been progression the last three days and I think that was Josh just knocking off the rust. Now of course none of this matters if he can’t do this type of stuff during games but I am fully confident that he can and that he will. Expecting big numbers for Josh this season 30+ TD’s, about 10-12 INT’s and around the 4,500 yards range.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Not sure how anyone could suggest we should expect more of anything from Free. Any realistic fan knows he has been inconsistent. Any realistic fan knows that everything we have seen from Freeman tells us the only thing we can expect is inconsistency.
Will he turn it around? Maybe, but I will have to see it throughout the whole year. Preferably two years in a row but thats not an option right now unless he gets a new contract.
But again, anyone suggesting that Free will turn it around this season is basing their opinion on pure speculation and hope, thats it. Of course there is no problem with that as a fan but that is the fact of the matter.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Playoffs or bust for #5.
Glad Freeman decided to start playing well on August 1, 2013. Can Freeman play consistently well from August 1st- the rest of the calendar year?
I guess that is the 100 million dollar question? Can Freeman take the Bucs to the playoffs.
No Buccaneer Playoffs= Josh Freeman bye bye. Take that to the bank Raphael. Lol at your silliness.
56 career starts, 39 INTs the last two years, and averaging 6 wins per year. Yeah, the time is now. Or it will be never.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:19 pm
Two years of consistency in a row would = 100 million dollar contract IMO, no less
August 1st, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Lol Stafford lost 8 games in a row last year and got paid, I think some of you guys aren’t fully comprehending how much QB’s, even average ones, are valued. Now, don’t misinterpret what I’m saying, I am not saying that Freeman deserves a huge contract, what I’m saying is he doesn’t need to be one of the elite QB’s to earn an extension.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:40 pm
@raphael……..learn how to spell “you’re” correctly before you call someone else “stupid.”
August 1st, 2013 at 3:43 pm
I like Viagra so 1/2 hard is not in my vocabulary, either way, Freeman has a lot to prove this year and I think he gets it done….
August 1st, 2013 at 3:45 pm
WCBF,
Stafford is a better QB than Josh, at this point. Stafford has a worst OL, no RB, and only Megatron.
Stafford got paid because he was a #1 overall pick in the old CBA, and it aided the Detroit salary cap sitation.
Right now, Stafford > Freeman.
Plus, you mention “but the Lions signed……” When is the last time they went to the playoffs, bro?
I would rather take after the: Texans, Seahawks, Patriots, Giants and Steelers. Let’s emulate a GOOD front office.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:49 pm
I never said anything about Stafford. You are directing your comments at the wrong person stevek.
Oh and “only Megatron”. I had to laugh at that one. He “only” had the best Wr in the league. Lol.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:55 pm
Sorry WCBF, that was for Walter.
Megatron > Doug Martin, V-Jax and MW 19?
Perhaps, but not likely.
Walter- You are in la la land. This is 2013, and the Bucs are not overpaying an inconsistent force at QB. JF5 gets us to the playoffs, then we can talk re-signing the young man.
If Freeman puts out another dissapointing campaign, then we would be better served to cut bait.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:55 pm
Sorry WCBF, that was for Walter.
Megatron > Doug Martin, V-Jax and MW 19?
Perhaps, but not likely.
Walter- You are in la la land. This is 2013, and the Bucs are not overpaying an inconsistent force at QB. JF5 gets us to the playoffs, then we can talk re-signing the young man.
If Freeman puts out another dissapointing campaign, then we would be better served to cut bait.
August 1st, 2013 at 4:02 pm
@ Patrick…..your, your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your,your a stupid troll, learn how to not be a grammar idiot ..
August 1st, 2013 at 4:12 pm
@stevek
Over reacting again? I said in my post that I didn’t think Freeman has earned an extension yet, so ease off my nuts.
And we don’t NEED to make the playoffs for Freeman to be resigned. He just needs to play better, more consistent football. If we go 10-6 and miss the playoffs, and Freeman plays well all season, you can bet your ass he’s going to be resigned. Once again, I said IF HE PLAYS WELL ALL SEASON, so don’t get all hot and bothered on your next response, k buddy?
Thanks bro
August 1st, 2013 at 4:12 pm
So everyone has a boner so big they can’t get up and answer the doorbell… over Freeman in practice. Practice!
Yee, haw!
August 1st, 2013 at 4:18 pm
^^ nobodies got a boner that your imagining us all having perv. these are the same people who have said all along that Freeman is going to have a good season.
August 1st, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Walter,
You’re (got that Raphael, non-grammar using, Josh Freeman jockstrap pedestal) right, Walter. My bad.
I am just a little bottled up, when it comes to the Freeman debate, and hearing about Freeman’s great day today only leaves me wanting more. Playoffs Baby!
This is a playoff roster, and I am just fired up about our “Brees-like” QB today.
Freeman has the physical ability to just flat out dominate. Can he wrap his head around the game? When it comes to reading defenses, will Freeman be the “bug” or the “windshield”?
August 1st, 2013 at 4:53 pm
Stevek. Your just dumb…it’s not YOUR fault…lol.
You cannot get on the Freeman Bandwagon now sry…once a troll always a troll
August 1st, 2013 at 5:04 pm
thanks for taking a break from your rx7 to learn some grammar raphael
August 1st, 2013 at 5:05 pm
So, if you take a pragmatic outlook based on past experiences, you are, then, a hater?
I hope he does well the entire season. But, I’m realistic at this point.
Not a hater, but there are some definite biters around here.
August 1st, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Enigma right SteveK?
August 1st, 2013 at 5:09 pm
@ Walter…your friggin hilarious!
August 1st, 2013 at 5:12 pm
@Stevek
We just have to wait and see, the only difference between you and I is the attitude we are bringing into this season. I have chosen to support my QB, and to believe that he CAN get better, and that he will be more of a leader of the offense. I don’t really know where you stand, you don’t really criticize Freeman, it’s more like you’re cautiously optimistic, which I understand, because we have now gone through 2 straight seasons of starting off well only to collapse in the end. I guess I just don’t care if I end up being wrong about Freeman. I choose to have his back, regardless. In the end, if he has to go, he has to go, but right now, that’s my quarterback.
August 1st, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Love Freeman but when taking the emotion out of it , the fact of the matter is if he doesnt win 10 games for us this year he will be wearing another jersey
August 1st, 2013 at 6:00 pm
I don’t understand all the hatred for Freeman. We all see his inconsistency but we all should also see his greatness at times as well. Inconsistency can be fixed that is what practice is for… fixing inconsistencies. Freeman had plus 60 percent pass completion rating in 2010 and 2011. Last year his percentage was down because the offense changed and the deep ball was used more. If he throws 5 less picks last year he goes from having a mediocre year to a great year. Especially for a Buccaneers quarterback. And yes, I have seen him throw at the feet of a wide open Dougernaught in the flat.
I am with you Walt. I don’t see why in the world you would claim to root for a team and then proceed to bash them at every turn. You would have to have some hope for the team at some point. Unless of course, you are a troll. I do admit though. It seems like fun. Maybe I will try it out on some saints and falcon websites.
August 1st, 2013 at 6:09 pm
This is the Josh Freeman that needs to show up on consistent basis. We need to not get ahead of ourselves because, lets face it, we’ve seen Good Josh and the Bad Josh. If we can eliminate the Bad Josh, this Bucs team is going places.
Unfortunately, we saw bad josh in 10 games last year. Let’s rid that Free.
August 1st, 2013 at 6:25 pm
Freeman can be fixed with the right coaching, it’s currently taking place right now. Stay tuned.
August 1st, 2013 at 6:32 pm
I’ll never understand wishing ill will on player from your own team. I never cared for Ruud because I felt this defense at the time was becoming a finesse team and he was the leader. The fact is though when the game stared I was cheering for everyone on the team…….Even when they did that stupid Ruuuuuuuuud cheer. I never wanted him to suck to prove my point!
August 1st, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Bucnjim Says:
August 1st, 2013 at 6:32 pm
I’ll never understand wishing ill will on player from your own team. I never cared for Ruud because I felt this defense at the time was becoming a finesse team and he was the leader. The fact is though when the game stared I was cheering for everyone on the team…….Even when they did that stupid Ruuuuuuuuud cheer. I never wanted him to suck to prove my point!
Dude, I don’;t think anyone here is wishing “ill will” on Josh Freeman. I, for one, have seen the ‘Good Josh” and unfortunately, more than good, the “Bad Josh”, just like Everyone else here.
It’s more of excitement for the team around the QB and wanting Josh to turn that corner. However from what we’ve seen, many of us are giving the honest opinion and not getting our hopes up because the Bad Josh, is well, very bad. Freeman is probably one of, if not the toughest QB to figure out and that’s why he gets the label an enigma.
I root for Freeman every time he steps on the field. I know if he turns the corner, this Bucs team is a Super Bowl contender. Yes I said it. If he turns the corner, the Bucs can continue to add around him, DLINE, TE , OL, etc. If you have a QB, then you aren’t as worried.
August 1st, 2013 at 6:47 pm
Chris,
Being an old school Bucs fan; it’s not the good, the bad & the ugly…..It’s the bad; the ugly and the fugly. Took 20 years for a real winner and another 10 years to produce an offense that is as good as this one. 30 years and never have I seen an offense like this in Tampa. That’s why some of us believe in Freeman and the entire offense. Maybe because we’ve never had a Manning, Brady or Brees. The good Josh last year shocked the crap out of me so I’m going to hope this continues.
August 1st, 2013 at 7:05 pm
@ Robert ….the idiot store called for you .
August 1st, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Off topic and I hate to spam the site with this as I did on another thread, but Freeman threads are always so popular so here I go again so you don’t miss it.
On Friday, Aug. 2, the NFL Network airs a one-hour special called Warren Sapp: Relentless at 8 p.m. ET.
August 1st, 2013 at 7:22 pm
I’ll stop it now Joe. Only posted it in this thread and the Crabtree one.
August 1st, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Buc1987, NOW THAT’S FREAKIN’ FUNNY !!!!!!!! CLASSIC !!!!!!!!
August 1st, 2013 at 8:21 pm
huh?
August 1st, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Bucs1987, Sorry just got home and caught the straight jacket comment and link. LMAO !!!!!!!
August 1st, 2013 at 9:08 pm
Oh ha ha ha ha Bucslegends
August 1st, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Practice? We talkin practice?
August 1st, 2013 at 11:01 pm
No Allen we’re talkin MY Bucs are going to win the South AND sweep Atlanta.
August 2nd, 2013 at 5:50 am
I’m with you BucnJim: These junior high mentality kids with their name calling and Boy’s Room commentary have no clue when it comes to mediocre QB play. From Steve Spurrier in 1976 to Josh Freeman now, the Tampa Bay fans have rarely appreciated our QB for long. After going through each one of them, # 5 looks like the best of the bunch to me in spite of his flaws. Why some seem to want him to fail, forcing the team to start over again with an unknown, relish in each poor throw and laugh off the precise ones is puzzling to me.
August 2nd, 2013 at 7:10 am
I hope JFro-6pak hasn’t peaked too soon!
August 2nd, 2013 at 8:54 am
It’s ok to lose, because our QB position has historically been worse?
Wow, when is it ok to settle on mediocrity?
Super Bowls take good QB play.
August 2nd, 2013 at 9:39 am
Really Steve? Peyton has ONE Super Bowl!